Grace

Grace

For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with self-control, right conduct, and devotion to God, while we look forward to that wonderful event when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing what is right.

Titus 2:11-14

Grace brings salvation.

All of God’s promises and saving work that he has shown since the beginning of the human race have revealed his grace. All of his blessings and all of his gifts have been planned to bring men and women to repentance. One of the purposes of Jesus’ death on the cross was to redeem us from iniquity, but according to Titus that wasn’t the only reason. He also wanted to purify us and encourage us toward good works.

Grace teaches us to say no to ungodliness.

To be inwardly godly is to be self-controlled. We can only control our actions and emotions with our will as we depend on God’s Spirit to govern our lives (Galatians 5:22-23). As we experience God’s grace, we will live honest, faithful, straightforward, and trustworthy lives outwardly among those around us. Godly living displays itself with much more than words—it demonstrates the reality and power of a vital union with God.

Grace causes us to look for the blessed hope.

Knowing that Jesus will return for us is a big incentive to live holy lives. We can draw on his riches now, but we know that when he comes again, we’ll share his wealth and his kingdom forever.

What a privilege we experience through God’s grace—that of being changed in so many ways!

Father,

Thank you that your grace brings us salvation, godliness, and hope. May we never forget how much all of that cost you. Amen.